Central Canal Tours

Indianapolis
Central Canal as well as an individual male
Central Canal showing street scenes and a pond
Central Canal
Central Canal


Running past some of the city’s principal attractions is a scenic 19th-century canal. Take a paddleboat, kayak or gondola out onto the water.

Bordered by walking trails and leafy parks, the Central Canal is a scenic waterway decorating the center of Indianapolis. Take a boat out on the water, allowing you to see some of the city’s main attractions in style. Stroll along the banks of the canal and enjoy picturesque views of the water. 

Rent a pedal boat or kayak with your family at Wheel Fun Rentals, toward the southern end of the canal. Stop at some of the sites beside the water, such as the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indiana State House and the Indiana State Museum. Beside these iconic institutions is Military Park, with a layout resembling a military badge. 

Stop at the Frank and Katrina Basile Theater and the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. As you continue north along the canal, spot deluxe apartment blocks lining both sides. 

Back on land, embark on the Indianapolis Canal Walk and relax under shade trees along the way. The impressive USS Indianapolis National Memorial here pays tribute to a cruiser from World War II. 

Reach the scenic circular basin near the Indiana University School of Medicine. Cycle along the paths lining the waterway or join the joggers and runners. The canal and its trail create a serene setting, away from the hubbub of the city center. Relax with your feet dangling over the side of the canal and read a book on a warm, sunny day. Let your kids frolic in the play area. The canal trail is free and open to the public at all times. 

The Central Canal stretches across the central district of Indianapolis in the heart of Indiana. Walk northwest for a few minutes from the city’s railway station to reach the Canal Walk. While in the area, make sure to visit nearby areas such as the Wholesale District, Fountain Square and West Indianapolis. 

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Central Canal

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
601 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
Bottleworks Hotel

Bottleworks Hotel

4.5 out of 5
850 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Bottleworks Hotel
Omni Severin Hotel

Omni Severin Hotel

4 out of 5
40 West Jackson Place, Indianapolis, IN
Omni Severin Hotel
JW Marriott Indianapolis

JW Marriott Indianapolis

4 out of 5
10 S West Street, Indianapolis, IN
JW Marriott Indianapolis
Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI

Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI

2.5 out of 5
414 West Vermont Street, Indianapolis, IN
Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI

Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI

3 out of 5
414 West Vermont Street, Indianapolis, IN
Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown

Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
130 South Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN
Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol

3 out of 5
320 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol
Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

4 out of 5
350 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN
Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Central Canal

Central Canal in Indianapolis offers a variety of activities for visitors, including scenic walks along the canal, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy wakeboarding and breathtaking sunsets, or explore shore excursions and trail reviews. Shopping options nearby also provide a great way to experience the local culture while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Shopping

For great shopping near Central Canal, check out Circle Center Mall, just 1.6km away, offering a lively atmosphere. Indianapolis City Market, also 1.6km away, is perfect for local flavors. If you're up for a drive, visit Twin Aire Shopping Center, located 4.8km from the canal.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy at the Indiana Convention Center, just 1.6km from Central Canal, where you can engage in various sports activities. For a cultural twist, enjoy live performances at the nearby Old National Centre, also one mile away, perfect for entertainment seekers.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Brickyard Crossing Golf Course is a scenic four miles away, offering a relaxing day on the greens surrounded by nature.

Adventure

At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, experience the thrill of motor racing just 6.4km from Central Canal, where high-speed action and sports excitement await. For motorcycle enthusiasts, the Mid-America Motorcycle Speedway offers adventure 12.9km away. Meanwhile, the UIndy Tennis Center, located 8.0km from Central Canal, provides a lively atmosphere for tennis lovers.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Indiana Repertory Theatre, just 1.6km from Central Canal, offering a mix of romance and culture. For a lively atmosphere, visit 8 Seconds Saloon, five miles away, where city vibes meet entertainment, ensuring a fun night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Central Canal

Whether you're seeking culture, family fun, or entertainment, Central Canal in Indianapolis has something for everyone. Explore the historic Indiana Central Canal and enjoy scenic canal sights, or visit the children's museum and nearby modern college university. With a variety of attractions, the area provides an engaging experience for every traveler, making it a perfect vacation spot in the heart of Indiana.

  • Lucas Oil Stadium: Experience the excitement of live sports and entertainment at this state-of-the-art arena. Located only 1.6km from Central Canal, it offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for family outings, featuring major events that captivate audiences.
  • Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Just 3.2km away, this museum is a treasure trove for families, combining fun with education. Explore interactive exhibits that celebrate culture and creativity, making it an unforgettable experience for kids and parents alike.
  • Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis: Situated 1.1km from Central Canal, this modern university showcases the dynamic spirit of city life. Stroll through its campus and enjoy the rich cultural events, adding an academic flair to your visit.

Best time to go to Central Canal

The best time to visit Central Canal can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Central Canal falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Central Canal falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Central Canal

To save money during your visit to Central Canal, consider traveling during the cheaper months of January, February, or September, and avoid Saturdays for lower accommodation rates. Utilize Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options by filtering for eco-certified stays and sorting prices from lowest to highest. Booking a package that includes flights and activities can also lead to significant savings. Lastly, explore the area on foot or use public transport for affordable travel around the canal and its attractions.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Central Canal are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Central Canal is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Central Canal is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay along the Central Canal with your flights and activities.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia